An average person visits the washroom 2,500 times a year. That’s why bathroom safety for the elderly and disabled is especially important. Muscle weakness, frailty, balance, and cognitive issues like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can make a simple activity like using the bathroom challenging or even dangerous.
This blog looks at practical tips for bathroom safety for disabled adults to adapt your bathroom space to offer bath help to the elderly and disabled. These ideas can make your bath more stylish, enjoyable, and functional.
Use a Shower Transfer Bench or Shower Chair
A waterproof chair is a home medical equipment for the elderly and disabled with balancing and standing problems. Often referred to as shower stools, bath chairs, or shower benches, they’re available in various styles and sizes and are usually made of plastic with no-rusting metal frames.
They can be placed or wheeled into the bath and later removed when not in use. Ensure the chair is stable, and add a non-slip mat underneath for safety. Some chairs have added safety features like footrests, backrests, armrests, and safety belts.
Update Lighting
Provide bathroom safety for the elderly and disabled by installing proper lighting. Poor lighting in the baths can increase the risk of falls. So, provide bright lighting for the person to see what they’re doing, but not so bright that it affects their eyes.
Too bright light can make them dizzy and even throw them off balance. Plus, consider the night lights in the bathroom and the path between the bedroom and the bathroom.
De-Clutter and Organize
Necessary items in the bath can include toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, lotion, and hair conditioner. However, having too many of these products increases the risk of falls in the bathroom for bath users.
If bathroom counters are always fully stacked with products, there is a higher chance of an item getting knocked to the floor. If this happens, you have to bend over to pick it up.
Remember, the elderly and disabled often struggle with achy, stiff joints and muscles. It might be debilitating for an elderly or disabled to bend due to decreased mobility. So, de-clutter and organize the items throughout the bathroom to help create a safe bathroom for them.
Install Grab Bars
Grab bars are an affordable, effective way to make your bathroom safer. Install them on the wall by the toilet and bathtub to help the elderly and disabled, especially if they struggle with poor balance. Choose slip-resistant grab bars that are also within easy-to-reach distance.
Avoid suction cup bars because they might loosen and slip down the wall, increasing the risks of falls. It helps to choose high-contrast grabs (like bright colors) that can help improve bathroom safety for the elderly and disabled.
Create a Safer Bathroom for the Elderly and Disabled
By following these tips, you will enhance bathroom safety for elderly people. At Penn York Medical in Binghamton, NY, we offer home medical products that support disabled and seniors’ emotional, physical, and social needs. Check us out to learn more about our products or get in touch with us for any inquiries.